Author

Topic: Beginner Surf Spots in California?

Views: 35050

replies: 30

I'm girl from Canada looking to head to California mid to late Aug for some surfing. Two friends i'm going with will be going for their first time, i'm pretty good paddling onto and standing on 3 foot waves. So looking for a place that's a good beginner surfing spot for all of us, where localism isn't too bad, crowds are not too crazy, and where there's a good vibe for some non-surfing outdoor activity and nightlife. Any recommendations out there?

Try Mondo's Beach In Ventura CA
take the 101 after you pass Ventura. The exit ramp bears to the left and goes through a tunnel under the freeway. Zero out the odometer as you exit the tunnel. Drive north on PCH for 3 miles. At the 3.1 mile mark there will be houses on your left (ocean side). At the 3.4 mile mark you will come to a clearing between two groups of front-row beach homes. That's Mondo's and there is no sign that says so. You will see a lot of surfers in the bay. NOTE: There are no public toilets on this beach. You can use a port-a-potty the side of the road by Emma Wood State Beach as you come out of the tunnel, or use the ones to the north of Mondo's.
You can check the conditions at

I know the Northern spots.. Santa Cruz is a beatiful place with lots of fun summer and winter long board beginners spots. Cowells, 38th at pleasure point, the beaches etc. And the night life is on for clubing and dancing. Have FUN< let me know if you want more specific ideas. The forest and beaches rock!!!!!

Doheny- great for young shortboarders; old codgers should move down the beach to the rivermouth. Mellow 2-3' rights that are great for nose-riding a fish and side-slipping- only hazard is several rocks on outside and sharp barnacles inside- wear booties!

OK, shut up about the wedge already. Why don't you just tell her to go to Mavericks? Loser. Now, to the OP, you need to provide more information, as someone above said, California is a huge state, and the north and south are quite different. What is your reason for going to California, other that surfing? If it's solely to surf beginner breaks, then you can find those on Vancouver Island or in Washington state, so there's no point in traveling that far.